Paul Jeltema, age 96, of Grand Rapids, went to his eternal heavenly home to be with his Savior on January 22, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Fran; his children, Cindy (Rick) Verhey, Gregory (Carol) Jeltema, Linda (Larry) Doornbos, Jeffrey (Linda) Jeltema, and Timothy (Cid) Jeltema; his grandchildren, Ian (Toni) Verhey, Sonia (Jake) Rose, Jacob (Lauren) Verhey, Amy (Brad) Van Prooyen, Melissa Jeltema, Gayle Doornbos, Christopher Doornbos, Lauren (Alex) Hastings, Adam (Kassidy) Jeltema, Paul (special friend, Taylor) Jeltema, Jordyn Jeltema, and Silas Jeltema; and his great-grandchildren, Connor, Fenna, Keegan, Jensen, Anika, Arie, Ryan, Jolene, Olivia, Everett, Vincent, Gavin, Sanford, Carson, Kaleb, and Rebekah. He is also survived by his brother, Marv, and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Paul was a lifelong member of East Leonard Christian Reformed Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon and elder and sang for many years in the choir. He deeply loved the hymns of the church and shared his gift of music by playing the trumpet for many years —at East Leonard CRC, at Pine Grove Church during the summer months, and at Nettles Island Church in Florida during the winter. Paul was a graduate of Davenport College and served in the U.S. Army. Along with his brothers, he was a co-owner of Valley City Linen. He was a past president of the Kiwanis Club and served on the boards of Camp Roger and Camp O'Malley, Christian Rest Home, and Grand Rapids Christian Schools. Paul enjoyed golf and sailing, but most of all he loved his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at East Leonard Christian Reformed Church, 1027 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, with Rev. Ben Gandy officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Paul's memory may be made to East Leonard Christian Reformed Church.